Distec partners with Starbit to bring Smart Retail solutions to the UK
Distec will be the sole UK reseller of Starbit’s smart queuing system which helps businesses to monitor footfall, track sales and support social distancing measures
13th January 2021 – Distec, the specialist provider of industrial, medical, and digital signage technology solutions, has entered into a new partnership with Swedish start-up Starbit to bring its hi-tech retail solutions to the UK.
Starbit’s smart queuing systems make businesses more efficient by reducing manual workload for staff and streamlining the management of customer waiting times. They are designed to help minimise queuing and provide valuable business intelligence on repeat trade, wait times and peak hours to help businesses plan based on real-time data.
Starbit, located In Härnösand and Stockholm, Sweden, is a software company that offers a fusion between software and hardware. They provide all types of digital signage solutions, from design, to installation, with fully customisable software platforms. In 2020, they opened a new innovation centre in Härnösand, where their Research & Development team is responsible for creating the latest cutting-edge Smart Cities and Smart Retail technologies.
The company has recently been awarded two significant contracts in the Nordic region. Scandinavian retail chain, Coop Norden, will be piloting Starbit’s latest smart queuing system with AirSwipe technology along with a payment card-reader upgrade on their self service solutions across its 850 stores. AirSwipe allows customers to make choices on a screen without touching it, using gestures to navigate through menu items. Starbit is also working with Swedish MIUN University and are in discussions with Hallingplast, a pipe manufacturing company, to apply machine learning and analytics through its smart sensors, which are designed to measure water levels and raise alerts for potential flood warnings.
Noel Sheppard, General Manager at Distec said: “The COVID-19 outbreak has forced many businesses to adapt to ensure social distancing can be observed. It is no longer possible to accommodate large groups of people waiting to collect goods or attending a doctor’s appointment. That is why Starbit’s queuing systems will be invaluable to the retail, health, and hospitality sectors as a means of ensuring a safe but enjoyable experience for customers and service users.”
Anders Nilsson, CEO of Starbit said: “Smart queue systems deliver smoother, less stressful and more efficient business processes. They do this by creating more time for each individual sale or service, reducing bottlenecks, and helping to create a better flow for both staff and customers. Distec has the experience and track record to support our expansion into the UK, and we look forward to working closely with the team.”
Distec provides a range of interactive digital signage solutions, including commercial grade touchscreen monitors and computers, Point of Sale Systems (POS), digital signage players, interactive indoor and outdoor kiosks, and digital signage software. They will be the sole UK reseller for Starbit’s solutions.
Starbit and Distec are part of Kamic Group Inc, a corporate entity consisting of nearly 40 companies and 850 employees spread over 13 countries in North America, Asia, and Europe.
About Distec
Distec Ltd is a specialist hybrid technology solutions provider, offering a range of industrial hardware and software solutions to sectors including healthcare, retail, manufacturing and transportation. Distec work with industry-leading global vendors to provide customers with cutting-edge hardware and software solutions available.
About Starbit
Starbit is a partner to some of the most trusted brands in the world. They create sustainable, tailor-made solutions that give businesses the upper hand now and in the future. At the beginning of 2019, the valuation of Starbit was about a quarter of a billion euros.